J.B. Hunt’s Upcoming Q4 Earnings: Analysts Predict a Stronger Performance
With a market cap of $17.2 billion, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) remains a key player in the transportation and logistics sector. The company, based in Lowell, Arkansas, focuses on intermodal services, dedicated contract services, truckload transportation, and integrated logistics solutions. J.B. Hunt is expected to release its Q4 earnings on Thursday, January 16.
Predictions for Q4 Earnings
Analysts anticipate that the trucking and logistics leader will report a profit of $1.66 per share, marking a 12.9% increase from $1.47 per share from the same quarter last year. Over the past year, J.B. Hunt missed consensus estimates in three out of the last four quarters but succeeded in beating expectations once.
Recent Performance Highlights
In its most recent quarter, J.B. Hunt reported an EPS of $1.49, exceeding consensus estimates by 4.9%. This performance was largely driven by strong demand in the Intermodal division.
For fiscal 2024, analysts project EPS will reach $5.68, a decrease of 18.5% compared to $6.97 in fiscal 2023. However, a rebound is expected in fiscal 2025, with EPS forecasted to grow by 28.9% year-over-year to $7.32.
Stock Performance Overview
Over the past 52 weeks, JBHT has declined 14.6%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index’s 23.3% gains during the same period. Additionally, the company lagged behind the Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLI) 15.6% gains.
Q3 Results and Market Response
On October 15, J.B. Hunt released its Q3 earnings report, followed by a 3.2% increase in shares during the next trading session. The company generated $3.07 billion in revenue, which represented a 3% year-over-year decline, but still exceeded analysts’ expectations of $3.04 billion.
Despite a 7% drop in operating income to $224.1 million compared to $241.7 million in Q3 2023, J.B. Hunt continues to show resilience through solid demand in its Intermodal division and strategic management of cost challenges.
Market Commentary and Future Outlook
The overall consensus rating on J.B. Hunt stock is moderately positive, holding a “Moderate Buy” status. Out of 21 analysts, there are 13 “Strong Buys,” one “Moderate Buy,” and seven “Holds.”
The average price target for JBHT is set at $191.70, indicating a potential upside of 12.3% from its current valuation.
On the date of publication, Rashmi Kumari did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article are solely for informational purposes. For more information, please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here. More news from Barchart
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